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I liked that first video that KP posted (haven't watched the second one yet). There's another thread on TWT about what bike would we like Santa Claus to bring us--I didn't post there, but this would be the bike for me. I swang a leg over one at a dealer, but haven't ridden one.

I was at a dealer today and the bike caught my eye. Any thoughts on the bike for off-road, weekend trips, etc. Your opinions would be appreciated.

Quote:

Originally Posted by focus frenzy

CBR300 engine bolts right in and perks it right up, why Honda has not figured it out baffles many.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMZ

Dang. 340 lbs. Little red pig. LRP. Lol

I haven't ridden the CRF250 Rally yet, but having owned a CRF250L for a couple of years now, and also a KLX250S for some three years prior to that, I can comment re: off-road & week-end trips.

1st of all, I concur with frenzy & JMZ that Honda missed the mark by not putting a little more grunt in the Rally, at least a variant of the available CB300 engine, if not, say 325 or 350 up to 400 cc's, as it seems lots of folks are seeking a lighter weight motorcycle that is competent for minimal maintenance unpaved roads (such as in 1st video linked above) that can also maintain 75 mph on the highway. With sufficient cc's, I suspect the Rally, with its extra weight and fairing, could do so. I say "suspect" as my CRF250L (and the KLX250S and any similar dual-sport motorcycle), at least in my experience, does not function well at 65+ mph. Seems the weight, wheelbase, steering geometry and aerodynamics are not appropriate for such speeds.

Now that being said, I have enjoyed both 250cc motorcycles as a weekend all-road light-tourers. Both the CRF/KLX250's travel comfortably on the highway at 61 mph (per GPS), which is well suited for the smaller state highways here in Louisiana and up in Arkansas that I prefer to travel, and both excel at exploring county roads. The primary reason I replaced the KLX is a friend offered to sell me his CRF with a larger aftermarket gas tank. I have found the CRF is a little better highway bike than the KLX, as it it a little heavier and its engine has a little broader torque curve. Once the road deteriorates to bumpy oil-top or gravel/dirt, the KLX is a little better than the CRF. I am not confident that the CRF250 Rally would be particularly adept at true off-road travel, such as single-track, etc.

So, in response to your query, the CRF250 Rally should be a good mount if the riding style matches the bikes abilities; that is, traveling most any road, paved or unpaved, with sustained highway speeds of, say, under 65 mph.

Caveat: These observations are from a fellow who also enjoys riding TW200's and sidecar rigs

I agree the 250l will run 60-65 very easily with 13T counter sprocket Its still a bit buzzy.
The CRF250l is to heavy as it is. The rally just added weight. I would love a 250 lb 300-400cc adventure bike with the very low maintenance that makes 40 hp. If we're a parallel twin so that it was super smooth and not a vibrating beast would be amazing.

Well, to tell the truth, I just bought one yesterday so after it shows up in my hands, I'll let you know.

Kat, my supreme congratulations. It's a wonderful, all around motorcycle that you will enjoy custom farkling and riding for years to come. It's 250 cc's will be plenty fast enough since you have much less gravitational pull than the hefty ones complaining about the missing 300 cc engine. Perhaps a thread about your new bike adventures is possible?

__________________
Robert

"When you pass 70 it's good policy to concentrate on doing things, rather than finding justification for lethargy". Steve Pighills
"I would be seventy two but I was sick for a year". Zephyr
I love the internal combustion engine.

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